This past December, the Ranting family was able to take a nice vacation to a resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It had been many years since we had a beach vacation and for the first time in almost forever, we planned no additional activities. This was a large departure from our typical “go here and do this” vacation.

It was also the first time I had been to an all-inclusive resort. We are not huge drinkers so I knew we’d likely come out on the low end of eating and drinking our money’s worth, but going with the ultimate relaxing theme, the idea of just ordering anything at any time was very appealing.

When we checked in we received our wristbands. The Ranting Wife and I received red bands indicating we could drink alcohol. My eldest son, being 19 at the time, also received a red band as the drinking age in Mexico is 18. My youngest, however, ended up with a yellow band.

One afternoon, we were walking down 5th avenue (the shopping district) and as we passed every store or restaurant the proprietor would stand outside beckoning us to come in. One of them spied the yellow band and said “Hey! No ID? No problem. Come in and drink with me!”